South Korea’s fishermen keep dying. Is climate change to blame?

The fishing industry in South Korea is facing unprecedented challenges as climate change and overfishing disrupt marine ecosystems and endanger lives. Hong Suk-hui, a boat owner on Jeju Island, experienced this firsthand when his fishing boat capsized in February, resulting in the tragic drowning of five crew members. This incident is part of a broader trend: last year, 164 people were killed or went missing in maritime accidents around South Korea, a 75% increase from the previous year. Fishermen attribute these dangers to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, which they believe are driven by climate change. The seas around Korea are warming at a rate faster than the global average, leading to more intense tropical storms and forcing fish species to migrate. This has compelled fishermen to venture further into perilous waters, often with insufficient safety measures. The aging workforce and reliance on poorly trained migrant labor exacerbate the risks. The South Korean government has launched investigations and proposed safety improvements, but the future remains uncertain. With fish stocks dwindling and young people shunning the industry, the traditional way of life for coastal communities is under threat. Environmental campaigners urge immediate action to address these issues and prevent further tragedies.